STEM: Bringing more women into science and math

GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM)-Kettering University officials say West Michigan has a serious shortage of female engineers and scientists.

Saturday, a group of local schools and businesses teamed up to try to change that. More than 100 girls filled Grand Rapids Community College for the STEM Girl Genious Conference. The day-long event used hands-on activities to encourage girls to consider a career in science, technology, engineering or math.

"A lot of times, people don't really think about science or math as jobs. So if we make it fun for them, like with chocolate chip cookies and making canoes and stuff, it'll make them more interested in science," said mentor Aimee Kalczuk.

"I'd like the girls to realize that anything is possible; that the old world and old ideas are really gone. Girls have great opportunities, especially in the stem world," said event co-creator Armen Oumedian.